The B.C. government is reportedly denying the Canucks to travel between provinces, which means that they’ll need to find a new home this season.
Vancouver Canucks hockey is coming back. The NHL and NHLPA have agreed to a deal for a 56-game regular season with the Canucks playing in an all-Canadian division. Training camp for them begins on January 3rd and the regular-season will begin on January 13th.
Players should be returning to Vancouver in the next few days. Adam Gaudette and his wife Micaela have already arrived in Vancouver and are already under quarantine.
However, there is still one thing that needs to be sorted out. According to TSN’s Ryan Rishaug, the B.C. government is unwilling to let NHL teams in and out of the province, but things could change as they are still in discussion with the league.
League source says at this point the BC government remains unwilling to allow NHL teams to travel into the province for games. That may change as discussions continue, but remains their position as of now, even with the added safety protocols outlined today by @frank_seravalli
— Ryan Rishaug (@TSNRyanRishaug) December 20, 2020
With COVID-19 cases going up in B.C, the province has put restrictions on gatherings and suspended sports for adults aged 19 and older, which includes hockey.
Travel in and out of the province is best to be avoided and only be done if it is essential.
According to TSN’s Frank Seravalli, the NHL is going to impose strict travel rules for players and staff.
Language in protocol continues to change, and will further with input from provincial health authorities.
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) December 19, 2020
No guests in hotel rooms. No use of hotel gym. No housekeeping. Assigned seats on buses and planes. In-flight catering eliminated where feasible, etc.
It's all spelled out.
Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry has also said that the province is still working with the NHL and other provinces to find a safe way for hockey’s return in a statement per CTV News.
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman has spoken about the challenges of the NHL’s return to play in Canada as well:
"“While we are well aware of the challenges ahead, as was the case last spring and summer, we are continuing to prioritize the health and safety of our participants and the communities in which we live and play.”"
What does this mean for the Canucks?
If the B.C. government and NHL cannot come to a deal, then Vancouver will not be playing their home games at Rogers Arena and will have to find a new home for the 2020-21 season.
Where their temporary home will be is still unknown. According to The Ottawa Sun’s Bruce Garrioch, it’s not guaranteed that the Canucks can play at Rogers Arena this upcoming season.
Vancouver isn’t alone in this. Ontario and Quebec are also not budging with the NHL’s return protocols, which means that the Toronto Maple Leafs, Ottawa Senators and Montreal Canadiens may also have to relocate to temporary homes as well. Both Ontario and Quebec have had COVID-19 cases rise and Ontario will go under full lockdown starting on Christmas Eve.
There's been a lot of focus on British Columbia health officials not signing off on #NHL's protocols, but hearing that province is not alone.
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) December 20, 2020
Both Ontario and Quebec have also not signed off for Habs, Leafs and Sens to host games. Talks expected to continue early this week.
Where could the Canucks play?
The NHL does not want to implement a bubble system again so the plan was to have teams play in their home arenas while travelling to other cities. For the Canucks, playing in Vancouver may not be an option.
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It seems likely that the team will play elsewhere in Canada, and one option is Alberta. The Canucks could share a home with the Edmonton Oilers or Calgary Flames. Both Rogers Place and Scotiabank Saddledome could house two teams and it would also mean less travel.
If Calgary and Edmonton aren’t viable options, the Canucks could play in a smaller city like Red Deer or Moose Jaw. The WHL’s season has been postponed to January 8th and there is no timeline as to when it will return. With Edmonton hosting the World Juniors, Alberta seems like a viable option too but their COVID-19 cases are surging as well.
Outside of Alberta, the Canucks could play in Saskatchewan or Manitoba, which would allow them to share a rink with the Winnipeg Jets.
Other ideas being thrown around by fans on social media are Quebec City and Atlantic Canada.
The Videotron Centre was built for NHL hockey, but as mentioned above, Quebec’s cases are going up significantly so it may not work. The Atlantic provinces have lower cases and they have some QMJHL arenas the Canucks could use. Unfortunately, they also have strict travel restrictions and people outside of the provinces must quarantine for 14 days upon their arrival.
If the league can’t come to a deal with multiple provinces, Vancouver and other Canadian teams will have to play their games in the U.S., and the divisions will be re-aligned once again. This came from a Thursday report from Sportsnet’s Chris Johnston.
According to Ben Kuzma, it makes the most sense for Edmonton to be the destination of choice if Vancouver doesn’t work out. We will be following this story so stay tuned for updates on The Canuck Way!